Although all significant vaccine side effects have to be reported, there is a large difference between reporting correlation (I got the vaccine and then got MS dx or MS relapse), and proving that the vaccine caused the MS.
The Hep B vaccine was not routinely recommended for all children until I think the mid-1990's or later, so it is commonly recommended as a "catch-up series" to those from late teens to early/mid thirties (who did not receive is as school kids); that is right when MS diagnosis at at a peak anyway.
For each of us it is risk-benefit equation. If we are at low risk of contracting Hep B, maybe the vaccine is not worth the risk. For those of us in health care (and other) professions where we are regularly exposed to Hep B, the vaccine can definitely be worthwhile, even life-saving. Hep B is no fun at all in itself, and can readily lead to chronic cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, or liver failure requiring transplant.
Some MS medications can add to pre-existing liver damage, or if you have abnormal liver function, you cannot take some of the MS meds.
So rather than saying "You should get the vaccine," or "You should not get the vaccine as it can cause/worsen MS," it's likely a better idea to discuss your particular situation with your own doctor. Then make an informed decision that's right for you.
The Hep B vaccine was not routinely recommended for all children until I think the mid-1990's or later, so it is commonly recommended as a "catch-up series" to those from late teens to early/mid thirties (who did not receive is as school kids); that is right when MS diagnosis at at a peak anyway.
For each of us it is risk-benefit equation. If we are at low risk of contracting Hep B, maybe the vaccine is not worth the risk. For those of us in health care (and other) professions where we are regularly exposed to Hep B, the vaccine can definitely be worthwhile, even life-saving. Hep B is no fun at all in itself, and can readily lead to chronic cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, or liver failure requiring transplant.
Some MS medications can add to pre-existing liver damage, or if you have abnormal liver function, you cannot take some of the MS meds.
So rather than saying "You should get the vaccine," or "You should not get the vaccine as it can cause/worsen MS," it's likely a better idea to discuss your particular situation with your own doctor. Then make an informed decision that's right for you.
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